On Tuesday the 3^rd of August a group of 30 people took part in an On Country trip as part of the Broome Our Journey Our Story Project. Staff from KAMS, Curtin & headspace were involved along with Elder’s and Young people. The mob were lucky enough to do the On Country up the Dampier Peninsula at a spectacular location called Chile Creek which is Bard country. Chile Creek is looked after by the Puertollano family.

Aunty Roma is the lady in charge out there who, with the help of Aunty Stella, organized the catering and activities for us. After arriving in the morning and being welcomed by Aunty Roma the gang headed out by 4WD towards the coast up a narrow bush track and then over some sand dunes and onto the beach. Once on the beach, Elder, Uncle Johnny Puertollano gave us great insight into the customs and history of the area which was followed with some mud crabbing lead by locals Big Ash and little Ash (father and son). It wasn’t the best tide for fishing or crabbing but some people were able to catch some mud crabs and also gather some shell meat. Being out in a pristine environment and such a beautiful place with crystal clear waters with white sand surrounds and beautiful rock formations was calming in itself.

After our crabbing adventures we headed back to the Chile Creek campsite where Aunty Roma, Aunty Stella and Uncle Johnny had been slaving away in the kitchen preparing us some local cuisine for lunch. Wowserz, is an understatement for the quality of food we had for lunch which included curry and rice, salads, baked fish and much more. Sitting around the fire which had the crab and shell meat cooking on the coals having lunch was just so peaceful and relaxing. After lunch we sat around yarning where Uncle Johnny and Aunty Linda provided some important insights and advice into how we can move forward and keep our young people happy and healthy. A great day and a trip to remember with special thanks to Aunty Roma, Aunty Stella, Uncle Johnny, Big Ash & little Ash.  

Story written by Zac Cox, Research Associate for Our Journey Our Story,
based in Broome, Employed by Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service Ltd